Lighting in Your Kitchen

Bad lighting is lighting that does not allow you to see what you need to see, quickly and easily and/or causes visual discomfort.

Indifferent quality lighting is lighting that does allow you to see what you need to see quickly and easily and does not cause visual discomfort but does nothing to lift the spirit.

Good lighting is lighting that allows you to see what you need to see quickly and easily and does not cause visual discomfort but does raise the human spirit.

Ceiling Lights

In the working section of the kitchen recessed lighting or spot lights are the most practical option. As they are now available in an LED option, they are very efficient. Spot lights should be placed between 1 and 1.5 metres apart, have a row of them sitting over your worktop, as this will through light down onto the work space. This is much more practical than a row of lights sitting out from the worktop, where they will cast a shadow on your workspace.

Feature Lighting

If you have the space, it is really effective to incorporate some feature lighting, whether this is a feature pendant, or shelf Lights.

I really love oversized pendants above islands. They create drama and a real talking point in this kitchen. If you don’t have the space or guts then a trio of a smaller light works just as well.

Over Counter Lighting

Over counter lighting is probably one of the most important elements of lighting in the kitchen, as it lights up the counter and work space of the kitchen.

Again, there are a few different styles available, LED stripes, recessed lighting or spots, but it is very important this is determined before your furniture is installed, as your electrician will have to allow for the lighting.